Sharing stories to celebrate the superheroes in our lives

To honor Women’s History Month, our Storytime theme in March 2023 was Superheroes. We talked about the female superheroes (real and imagined) who have made a difference in our lives. It’s no surprise that many people shared powerful superhero stories about their mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, and daughters.

This is the story of why my Mom is my superhero. (And why we have matching tattoos...)

My mom fell in love with ginkgo trees in 2009. At the time, no one knew that it would take her (and me) on a beautiful journey of self-discovery and growth.

Mom threw herself into learning everything about ginkgo trees. That they are living fossils, over 270 million years old. That they are incredibly adaptable and strong. (A living ginkgo was found after the nuclear attack on Hiroshima.) Plus so much more about the actual tree structures, the leaves, the seeds, and the way they can produce a "ginkgo rain" where all the leaves drop at once.

Now, Mom spreads "ginkgo-ness" where ever she goes, sharing with anyone who will listen why these trees are both a sign of resilience and wisdom. She encourages everyone to slow down, and really look at the beauty around them.

Through her journey of deepening her passion for ginkgos, I saw my mom blossom and come into her own power as a teacher and a guide.

She taught me that you are never too old to find a new passion, and once you get the bug of curiosity, it can change your life in beautiful ways.

So thank you for spreading ginkgo-ness and being such a fantastic role model, Mom. I love you!!

❓So who is a superhero in your life? And how do they shape the way you see and interact with the world?

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This story was recorded at #Storytime at Manny's on 3.24.23